For all of those out there that make new years resolutions "Me included", I just wanted to say a few quick words about Yoga as a form of exercise for those seeking ways to lose a few LBS! "Me included"... I have promised this is the year that I will get ALL the baby weight off!
Yoga to me like running are those do it yourself fixes! You can do it at home or go out and get some! Whatever way it is the earthy way to do right by your body in my book!
The yoga 411:
Yogis feel connected with the planet.
People that like yoga often like to be outside because again they believe in a connection between all living things. My yoga teacher was big on protecting the planet because it's as much a living thing as we are. One of the main tenants of yogic philosophy is the practice of Ahimsa--non-violence, non-injury, and non-harming to all living things and that includes the planet. When yogis become disconnected they like to reconnect by heading outside. It's a lot easier to work to protect the planet when you're well connected with what you're protecting.
Yoga retreats and events are often really green.
For yogis, a retreat is an opportunity to deepen your yoga practice. It can also be a time to spoil yourself and get back in touch with nature. Yoga retreats should be about getting back to you, not fancy, luxurious hotels with wasteful spas and no connection with the outdoors. Going with Green Yoga Association, you can be sure that your retreat will have minimal impact on the planet.
Yoga is about simplicity.
Money won't buy you happiness. We've all heard the term but many of us don't really seem to believe it. But yogis and yoginis truly believe in living a clean, healthy, mindful existence free from unnecessary objects. This goes for living green as well. The more simplistic your life and the less stuff that you consume in terms of food, energy, and just plain stuff, the better off the planet.
How many resources you are exhausting by going to crowded awfully bright lit gyms where you have to wait for a machine and have your workout disturbed by moving around and wiping sweat off machinery! All the while being in that awfully bright light that shows every ripple in your workout pants... (Kkkk you get the point) I can't stand gyms! Like can not stand. I like little studio workouts, they give me less anxiety! And they are just rooms with heat and yoga mats! Simple clean and green! Or better yet get me to the park or a beach and that would be the ultimate place to practice!
Let's get Physical~
For me I started doing bikrim yoga 10 years ago! WOW 10 years! I went to a local studio and fell in love. When I could not afford it anymore I bought a silly yoga video and continued doing it daily for years! I was gifted a yoga video while pregant and continued during pregnacey! (And have to say that the only reason I was able to have 2 no drug natural childbirths 1 at home was because of my understanding of breath from yoga! After my first pregancey I returned to my practice, and the love affair has never died! My daughter loves it, I love it, my pocket book loves it ;). Although slpurging occasionally and getting more invloved in studios here and there ( mostly to learn new things and have a sense of community) I am an avid home practicer! Aided by dvds, books and my daughter Bryten's silly postures she has created! The only thing I can say is my body feels alive and healthy when practicing yoga period!......
For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. What's more, yoga:
Developed in India, yoga is a spiritual practice that has been evolving for the last 5,000 years or so. The original yogis were reacting, in part, to India's ancient Vedic religion, which emphasized rituals. The yogis wanted a direct spiritual experience -- one on one -- not symbolic ritual. So they developed yoga.
Yoga
means "union" in Sanskrit, the classical language of India.
People that like yoga often like to be outside because again they believe in a connection between all living things. My yoga teacher was big on protecting the planet because it's as much a living thing as we are. One of the main tenants of yogic philosophy is the practice of Ahimsa--non-violence, non-injury, and non-harming to all living things and that includes the planet. When yogis become disconnected they like to reconnect by heading outside. It's a lot easier to work to protect the planet when you're well connected with what you're protecting.
Yoga retreats and events are often really green.
For yogis, a retreat is an opportunity to deepen your yoga practice. It can also be a time to spoil yourself and get back in touch with nature. Yoga retreats should be about getting back to you, not fancy, luxurious hotels with wasteful spas and no connection with the outdoors. Going with Green Yoga Association, you can be sure that your retreat will have minimal impact on the planet.
Yoga is about simplicity.
Money won't buy you happiness. We've all heard the term but many of us don't really seem to believe it. But yogis and yoginis truly believe in living a clean, healthy, mindful existence free from unnecessary objects. This goes for living green as well. The more simplistic your life and the less stuff that you consume in terms of food, energy, and just plain stuff, the better off the planet.
How many resources you are exhausting by going to crowded awfully bright lit gyms where you have to wait for a machine and have your workout disturbed by moving around and wiping sweat off machinery! All the while being in that awfully bright light that shows every ripple in your workout pants... (Kkkk you get the point) I can't stand gyms! Like can not stand. I like little studio workouts, they give me less anxiety! And they are just rooms with heat and yoga mats! Simple clean and green! Or better yet get me to the park or a beach and that would be the ultimate place to practice!
Let's get Physical~
For me I started doing bikrim yoga 10 years ago! WOW 10 years! I went to a local studio and fell in love. When I could not afford it anymore I bought a silly yoga video and continued doing it daily for years! I was gifted a yoga video while pregant and continued during pregnacey! (And have to say that the only reason I was able to have 2 no drug natural childbirths 1 at home was because of my understanding of breath from yoga! After my first pregancey I returned to my practice, and the love affair has never died! My daughter loves it, I love it, my pocket book loves it ;). Although slpurging occasionally and getting more invloved in studios here and there ( mostly to learn new things and have a sense of community) I am an avid home practicer! Aided by dvds, books and my daughter Bryten's silly postures she has created! The only thing I can say is my body feels alive and healthy when practicing yoga period!......
For starters, yoga is good for what ails you. Specifically, research shows that yoga helps manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, headaches, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, stress and other conditions and diseases. What's more, yoga:
-
Improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina
-
Reduces stress and tension
-
Boosts self esteem
-
Improves concentration and creativity
-
Lowers fat
-
Improves circulation
-
Stimulates the immune system
-
Creates sense of well being and calm.
And
that's just the surface stuff. In fact, most of the benefits
mentioned above are secondary to yoga's original purpose.
Developed in India, yoga is a spiritual practice that has been evolving for the last 5,000 years or so. The original yogis were reacting, in part, to India's ancient Vedic religion, which emphasized rituals. The yogis wanted a direct spiritual experience -- one on one -- not symbolic ritual. So they developed yoga.
Now because all of forgien orgins people are sometimes intimated by yoga! Some have even said to me that they can't do it if they are religious! I say to this, do it once before you judge! I have a spiritual walk, and me doing yoga does not currupt it or even have much play. It is my form of exercise and awakening my body, and calming my mind.. I don't chant or say anything when I am asked to (which only happens in like one form of yoga I have ever been to), I exercise and focus my attention on what I want for my life and my beautiful daughter's lives... And occasionallly make a grocery list!
Yogis don't really have diets in the traditional sense. It's more like a way of eating that promotes optimal health. But a yoga diet is one of the more responsible ways to eat. The diet is in line with a yogi's sense of compassion and need to promote peace down to the last bite.
Not all yogis eat alike. I can really only speak for myself and the teachers that I have learned from along the way.
Compassion=Respect for the Planet
Traditionally, yogis are vegetarians. They eat plant-based protein sources like lentils, rice, beans, various vegetables, and grains. A go-to recipe for all yogis is kitchari. They also eat limited amounts of dairy like yogurt, ghee, and some milk. Ancient yogis believed that you should know the animals from which your dairy comes. Therefore, dairy is always local. Today this tradition is less strict amongst many practitioners but for me it's crucial. I've met the chickens that lay my eggs and the goats that produce my cheese.
More and more practitioners are moving toward vegan and raw diets.
Here are my favorite picks for all things yoga:
Studios:
Where the love affair started:
Where it continued after having my first daughter Bryten this studio is insane. Beautiful people, great music and super boutiqueish. You feel like you are doing something special for yourself when you practice here!
Mats, bags and goodies:
Mats
Bag
Pant
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Trousers-Paisley-Apricot-Bohemian/dp/B00751ZAHK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1VB6UXZSYWNRJ&coliid=I3V4ZT9T5YPPWB
Shirt
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84876785/om-open-back-yoga-long-sleeve-t?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=yoga+shirt&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_spelling_corrected=yoga+shirst&ga_search_type=all
Hair out yo eyes
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99354820/mocha-brown-twist-turband-headband-slip?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=yoga+head+bands&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
Shirt
http://www.etsy.com/listing/84876785/om-open-back-yoga-long-sleeve-t?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_query=yoga+shirt&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_spelling_corrected=yoga+shirst&ga_search_type=all
Hair out yo eyes
http://www.etsy.com/listing/99354820/mocha-brown-twist-turband-headband-slip?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=yoga+head+bands&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
DVD's
This was gifted to me from a great lady! Used it for both my pregnancies pre and post natal just amazing!!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Method-Post-Natal-Yoga/dp/B00007FGE5/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1357431591&sr=8-6&keywords=prenatal+yoga+gurmukh
This is the everyday one! It really is magic!
http://www.amazon.com/Shiva-Rea-Daily-Energy-Vinyasa/dp/B002IVLWCE/ref=sr_1_4?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1357431666&sr=1-4&keywords=yoga
I know it's cheesy because he is everywhere but his dvd's are special, he has a bunch of free stuff on Comcast's free option in fitness!
http://www.amazon.com/Rodney-Yees-Yoga-Beginners-Yee/dp/B001F76OKC/ref=sr_1_6?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1357431803&sr=1-6&keywords=yoga
The one stop yoga dvd shop:
http://www.amazon.com/Tara-Stiles-This-Yoga-Encyclopedia/dp/B0096WOKWM/ref=sr_1_20?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1357431910&sr=1-20&keywords=yoga
Kids
http://www.amazon.com/Storyland-Yoga-Kids-Families-ages/dp/B0038ASYTI/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1357431724&sr=1-2&keywords=kids+yoga
A ton to digest I am sure but I just really love yoga! And I would love to see everyone love it as well! Please consider giving it a try in the new year. No matter your physical strength or health anyone can get something out yoga! This will be an updated post and if you have any questions or comments and thoughts to share by all means share! Tread lightly!
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